Superstorm Sandy Stories

“Sandy Stories, Organized Labor Rebuilds New York,” an exhibit of photographs taken by working men and women during and after Hurricane Sandy, and “When the Lights Go Out,” a multimedia theatrical performance about those who helped in the rebuilding, will be hosted by SUNY Empire State College starting at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The art show and performance are presented by the New York State AFL-CIO and the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), and conceived by Executive Director Ed Murphy of the institute. Students will perform “When the Lights Go Out,” a play directed by Noelle Gentille, a social justice theater artist and WDI consultant, written by Amelia Whalen and produced by Gentille and Victoria Kereszi. The art show is open Mondays through Fridays during normal business hours through Jan. 31. The public is welcome to attend both at no charge.

“Superstorm Sandy was one of the worst in American history,” Murphy said. “On October 29, 2012, New York and New Jersey were hit by uncontrollable flooding. Power lines came down, streets, tunnels and subway lines were rapidly flooded, cutting power in and around New York City. Thousands and thousands of public workers, transit workers, electrical workers, teachers, nurses, mechanics and volunteers worked tirelessly to put New York back together for us all. ‘Sandy Stories’ recognizes and applauds their tireless efforts.”

Rachel McEneny, who worked for homeland security during the aftermath of the storm, will lead a post-play question and answer session, and Sarah Goodrich, executive director of SALT, a driving force behind the recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek basin, will speak.